reach for
verb
reached for; reaching for; reaches for
1
: to move one's hand in order to get or touch (someone or something)
She reached for the salt and pepper.
He reached into his pocket for a dime.
2
: to try hard to achieve or succeed at (something)
Success won't come to you, you have to reach for it.
Examples of reach for in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Similarly compelling is ‘Home Going,’ in which Clemmons traces her father’s family’s migration to Los Angeles in the 1970s, motivated by the promise of economic opportunities that had previously seemed out of reach for Black people.
—
Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Chico's Sleeveless Denim Dress Meghan and countless other celebs are reaching for shirt dresses this summer — combine two trends with this denim version at Chico's.
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
The funding gave his campaign extra reach for harder to reach voters.
—Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
Butler could not immediately be reached for comment.
—Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for reach for
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Chico's Sleeveless Denim Dress Meghan and countless other celebs are reaching for shirt dresses this summer — combine two trends with this denim version at Chico's.
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
The funding gave his campaign extra reach for harder to reach voters.
—Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
Butler could not immediately be reached for comment.
—Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for reach for
Cite this Entry
“Reach for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reach%20for. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
